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Unionist leaders have called on the Northern Ireland secretary to set up a legal inquiry into marching issues in north Belfast.

Unionist leaders and senior Orange Order officials announced a number of measures at a news conference to explain what they termed a "graduated response" to a Parades Commission ruling in north Belfast.

Here are their statements, along with reaction from politicians, business leaders and community groups.

Joint unionist statement, read by DUP leader Peter Robinson

Unionists and senior Orange Order figures signed a pledge calling for peaceful protests on 12 July

"The combined unionist parties call upon the secretary of state to establish a time-bound commission of inquiry with the necessary legal powers and resources to examine the Crumlin Road parades impasse and the wider issues it represents.

"This is consistent with a proposal in last Friday's Belfast Telegraph editorial.

"The issue of the Ligoniel parade will not go away after the Twelfth evening.

"This is a further part of our graduated response strategy, and follows on from our withdrawal from the leaders' talks, ending contact with the so-called Parades Commission and the steps outlined by the Orange Institution.

"In addition, the parties are agreed that at every level - council, assembly, Westminster and Europe - the denial of cultural expression, resulting from republican violence and threats of violence, will have a consequence determining how our members at each of these levels of government will participate.

"We intend to seek an urgent meeting with the secretary of state - the response of the secretary of state to the positive proposal of this commission of inquiry will dictate the nature and timing of those actions.

"We are mindful of the strong will in the community for all elements of unionism to act in a united manner and channel the rightful anger at this unjust decision.

"We reiterate our call for peaceful and lawful actions."

Pledge signed by unionist and Orange leaders

"We pledge our support for the campaign that challenges the injustice of the Parades Commission and combats the demonisation of our culture, as manifested in our parading tradition and expressions of British identity.

"We unite ourselves on the basis of five points of agreement:

1. We affirm our support for the principles of democracy

2. We reject the use of violence or threats of violence and will seek to counteract those who use the threat of violence for political gain

3. We commit ourselves to peaceful, lawful protest and political action

4. We commit ourselves to the principle of civil and religious liberty for all

5. We seek recognition of the importance of the parading tradition and the freedom to express our culture and identity

"We fully endorse the uniting of unionism around these issues and will undertake not to say or do anything that would weaken the unity of purpose and co-operation that has emerged."

Orange Order Grandmaster Edward Stevenson

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Orange Grandmaster Edward Stevenson said those that want violence should stay away from protests

He said each main demonstration on 12 July would stop for six minutes, the time - the Orange Order said - it would take for the Ligoniel lodge to complete its march in north Belfast.

Gerry Kelly, Sinn Féin North Belfast assembly member

"The Parades Commission was set up and constituted by statute as an independent body to deal with disputed parades.

"Unionists are asking for a Commission of Inquiry simply because they didn't get their own way.

"Neither unionists or the British secretary of state should do anything to undermine it.

"The myth of the hollowing out of British culture flies in the face of the facts.

"The number of parades has doubled in the last five years, the number of loyalist bands has also doubled and more than 95% of all loyalist parades are uncontested.

"Walking out of talks with their partners in government and demanding that the British secretary of state imposes a unionist solution can only raise tension and inflame the situation."

Joe Marley, Ardoyne residents' group Cara

"I think it is ridiculous.

"The Parades Commission was set up to ensure there was no partisan or biased view in relation to resolving parades.

"What the Orange Order should do, and spend its energy doing, is making sure people uphold the law.

"This is a nonsense. I don't think that Orangeism or political unionism know where they're going. What is needed is some positive leadership."

Alban Maginness, SDLP North Belfast assembly member

"What they are talking about is a Commission of Inquiry to look at the Parades Commission and its decision-making.

"It seems to me that you can't do that without usurping to some extent the lawful authority of the Parades Commission, so it's a very difficult one for the secretary of state to assent to, without undermining the Parades Commission itself.

"If it is an attempt to establish a super-Parades Commission or some sort of ombudsman to overrule the Parades Commission, I would say that is highly dangerous."

Stephen Farry, Alliance Party assembly member

"This notion of a commission is somewhat of a red herring that is taking us down a very narrow agenda rather than trying to address the issue of parades as a whole.

"We need to have a collective, holistic new approach that all the parties can buy into - that's what we were trying to do with the talks that were brought to an abrupt end last week.

"If there's a willingness now to have a discussion on parades, let's get back to the negotiating table and have a proper discussion involving all the parties on parades, flags and the past, for the long term."

Glyn Roberts, Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association

"We urge all concerned taking part in parades or protests to keep them peaceful and avoid Northern Ireland being dragged into the international headlines with scenes of violence. This should also include not blocking roads or arterial routes into town centres.

"The very last thing our recovering economy needs at this time is violence, rioting and disruption. July is a key trading month for retail, hospitality and of course for tourism.

"Many of our members in Belfast city centre and throughout Northern Ireland will be open and trading as normal as possible over the weekend.

"NIIRTA would also urge all of the parties to urgently re-engage the talks process to resolve parades, flags and the shared future agenda. Divided societies are bad for business and will always limit the economic potential of Northern Ireland."

Peter Osborne, Community Relations Council chairman

"As usual there will be an enormous burden placed on local community organisations and leaders, at interfaces and elsewhere, to manage tensions and persuade young people not to make negative choices. It will be those same community leaders who will pick up the pieces after the summer as well.

"Whatever agreements or disagreements exist those community leaders, organisations and people getting on with their lives in Northern Ireland over the summer, deserve as positive a backdrop as possible to be created by leaders. It is incumbent on everyone at a leadership level to use language that will be helpful and calming.

"The Community Relations Council has already identified in its Peace Monitoring Report how the women and men of the PSNI have been human shock absorbers for failure elsewhere. Their resilience and restraint has been remarkable to date.

"The PSNI, especially the officers on the ground like local communities, also deserve leaders that will make every effort to use words that calm rather than inflame, promote understanding rather than further division and encourage positive choices rather than negative choices.

"Violence is not inevitable. A peaceful few weeks is possible if all with influence help people make good choices not bad ones."

Interface Community Partnership statement

"Once again, at this time of heightened tension and lack of political consensus on building a shared society, front-line groups are working hard to maintain calm, encourage dialogue and sustain relationships within and between communities. Community groups have today re-stated their commitment to be on the ground to assess tension, monitor developments and prevent unrest wherever possible.

"Dialogue and good community relations practice between interface communities is an ongoing, year-round process. However, emergency response activity often detracts from the overarching peace-building work of the groups.

"The contribution of this essential community relations work is under serious pressure in the current uncertainty around political leadership and support, and future funding arrangements.

"Community partners call on the executive to acknowledge the good practice on the ground and to give due focus, support, resources and leadership to these peace-building activities.

"Community partners also call for support over the coming days and weeks from politicians, the institutions and civic society to help foster and maintain good relations across the region."

Norman Elder, 51, was forced out of the centre in 2008 after photos emerged on social media of a girl stroking a tiger. A judge ruled in his favour over the USPCA and a hearing later this year will decide the level of damages.

15:37:Schools Cup semi-final:BBC Sport NI

Coleraine Academical Institution are facing RBAI in the Schools Cup semi-finals right now at Ravenhill. The score stands at 3-3 at half-time.

The Lurgan Mail reports that archaeologists are surveying a 4,000-year-old Neolithic henge in the middle of Aghagallon, County Armagh, to find out what lies beneath the historic site.

14:40:North coast beach snowBarra BestBBC News NI Weather Presenter

Snow dunes in Portrush on the north coast today. Photo by Alive Surf School.

14:33:New radio studio:BBC NI Travel

We used the new radio bulletins studio for the first time today at 14:00! This is where travel bulletins (along with the normal news, sport and weather) will come from when we're not at the traffic control centre.

A former maths teacher who once ran for Belfast City Council has pleaded guilty to making indecent images of children. Peter Prendiville from Craigdarragh Park in Holywood, was ordered by the judge at Downpatrick Crown Court to sign the sex offenders register.

The Football Association plans to enter men's and women's Great Britain teams for the 2016 Olympics. A GB team featured in the 2012 Olympics, but the Irish, Welsh and Scottish FA didn't give their official backing.

13:43:Drugs seized in searches:

Cannabis plants worth estimated street value of £15,000 were seized by police yesterday after searches in Craigavon and Portadown.

Police say three men, aged 22, 28 and 44, were arrested on suspicion of a number of drugs offences. The 22 and 28-year-old have been released on bail.

13:31:Lord mayor expecting:Belfast Telegraph

The Belfast Telegraph reports that the Lord Mayor of Belfast Nichola Mallon (left) is expecting her first child this summer.

13:21:Temperatures rising:Cecilia DalyBBC News NI Weather Presenter

It may not seem like it today, but it is going to get milder later this week! Temperatures rising from tomorrow and getting up to highs of 13 degrees Celcius by the weekend.

13:12:Unionist 'cold house':

Unionists on the new Mid Ulster council say they're demanding a call-in about a number of decisions made at last week's council meeting.

They said decisions including banning the sale of poppies and Irish-first branding on logos, vehicles and buildings were an attempt by nationalists to create a "cold house for unionists".

13:03:First woman editor:Belfast Telegraph

The Belfast Telegraph says it has appointed a new editor - Gail Walker. She is the first woman to edit the newspaper and replaces Mike Gilson, who left in January.

12:54:Interface interviews:

BBC News NI's Mark Simpson conducting interviews at the Belfast Interface Project on the upcoming The Big Lunch event (thanks to Grainne McCloskey for the picture).

12:40:Bin collections off:Derry Journal

The Derry Journal reports that bin collections across Londonderry have been cancelled today because of hazardous road conditions.

12:38:Paulie is 'Ireland's sexiest':BBC Sport NI

Some rugby news you might have missed over the last week - Ireland captain Paul O'Connell was voted Ireland's sexiest rugby player.

BBC Sport NI's Thomas Niblock asked him how he felt about winning the prestigious award.

An economic report for the Executive says there is not a strong enough case for abolishing a £13 tax on the majority of flights out of Northern Ireland.

Removing air passenger duty (APD) is seen by airports and airlines as key to attracting new routes and growing tourism.

12:21:Pup's first snow:

It's always exciting seeing the first sprinkles of snow, but it's easy to get fed up with it once the cold sets in though. Desmond Loughery sent in this snap of his pup Mavis experiencing the white stuff for the very first time!

The result of Ireland's Cricket World Cup pool game against South Africa has not been in doubt but a great effort from Ireland brought the underdogs from a dodgy 48 for five at one point to a final tally of 210 all out in the 46th over.

South Africa had set a massive target of 412.

11:00:North coast brew:Belfast Telegraph

The Belfast Telegraph reports that Portrush is getting its first brewery in three decades.

The former Special Branch agent handlers were questioned in October about allegations made by former UVF commander and police informer, Gary Haggarty. He agreed to become a supergrass more than five years ago.

10:44:Foyle traffic moving:BBC NI Travel

Conditions at Glenshane and Coleraine Mountain are good, but further snow flurries are affecting these routes. In Derry, a collision on the Caw Roundabout was a major contributor to delays on the Foyle Bridge earlier, but things are now moving well again.

The weather outside might be frightful up in the north west today, but it's making for some great photos! Thanks to Ciara Shaw (top) and Ramada Portrush for these scenic sunrises in Derry and Portrush.

Stevan Patterson sent in this photo of a van stuck in a ditch this morning on the main Castlederg to Drumquin Road.

10:12:Flight delays:City of Derry Airport

Adverse weather conditions are causing minor delays at the airport this morning. You can check the latest flight information at @coderryairport.

10:05:SF 'supporting Newry's wishes':

Sinn Féin says its Newry councillors rejected proposals to reconsider calling a play park after IRA man Raymond McCreesh last night because people in the area want to keep the name.

Conor Murphy told the Nolan Show: "We're supporting the democratic wishes of the area, which overwhelmingly wants to retain the name."

09:56:Derry fleet expansion:Clodagh RiceBBC News NI

Londonderry firm Airporter is expanding its fleet, buying six new coaches in an investment worth almost £500,000.

They operate a transfer service between Derry and the two Belfast airports and carry more than 100,000 passengers every year.

09:46:Frozen paws:

Angela Cunning in County Antrim sends in this wonderful photo of her dog out in the big freeze that's gripping northern and western areas of Northern Ireland this morning.

09:40:Third prison escape arrest:

A man in his 30s has been arrested at Portlaoise prison in connection with the escape of another prisoner, Derek Brockwell, at Tallaght Hospital in February. A couple in their 60s were arrested earlier this morning in County Meath.

All ferry sailings between Rathlin and Ballycastle are cancelled today because of the difficult weather conditions.

09:07:Ploughs out:BBC Radio Foyle

Our brave reporter Joe Doran is tackling the Glenshane Pass this morning and the snow ploughs are out! Keep checking @BBCNITravel for the latest roads information.

08:57:White stuff:Jayne McCormackBBC News NI

Paul McLaughlin emailed in this great snap of Sion Mills this morning. It looks pretty nice when you don't have to go outside in it!

08:47:Silence of the supergrass:BBC Spotlight

Tonight on BBC One NI at 22:40, Vincent Kearney investigates why UVF leader and special branch informer Gary Haggarty hasn't testified against anyone, five years after he became a supergrass.

08:37:Slow traffic:Trafficwatch NI

Traffic on the M1 is slow from Lisburn through to Broadway, and the M2 from Templepatrick into Belfast is also busy.

08:36:Hard day at the wicket:

The gulf in class is showing in Canberra as Ireland continue to be punished by South Africa in their Cricket World Cup pool match.

It's 48 for five after 11 overs.

08:26:Digital economy:Clodagh RiceBBC News NI

I'm at a CBI-run event in Belfast finding out more about the digital economy and what role it can play for businesses. I'll have more on Good Morning Ulster just after 08:45.

08:14:School closures:

Lots of schools in Counties Londonderry and Tyrone have contacted us to say they're closed today because of snow and icy conditions. The list is being constantly updated so keep checking the BBC News NI website.

08:09:Foyle Bridge 'treacherous':

Donna Gallagher has tweeted us to say she's stuck on the Foyle Bridge, where conditions are treacherous. She says traffic can't get through the last bit at the Waterside end.

BBC Test Match Special's John Kenny says: "It's looking very, very ominous. We could have an early finish here." as Ireland struggle against South Africa in their Cricket World Cup pool match. Ireland are 25 for 3 and chasing 412.

08:02:Cottages centre a 'lifeline':BBC Radio Foyle

The health minster says it could take several months before a final decision is made on the future of a respite centre for disabled children in Londonderry. The Western Trust had previously indicated that the service might be cut.

Frank Gallagher, who looks after his teenage son, said the facility is a lifeline for parents.

07:53:Loyalist bands at SF conference:BBC Radio Foyle

A group representing loyalist bands are to take part in the Sinn Féin Ard Fheis for the first time. The Londonderry Bands Forum will participate in an event at the party's conference on Saturday.

The forum is funded by the International Fund for Ireland. Its chairman Adrian Johnston said the move would improve "peace and reconciliation activity".

Roe Valley Integrated Primary School, Limavady and Drumahoe Primary School, Derry will be closed today due to snow. You can check the list of school closures on the BBC News NI website.

07:43:Rush hour:Trafficwatch NI

Traffic is busy on the M1 from Lisburn to Blacks Road, on the Westlink towards York Street and on the A2 Shore Road leaving from Carrickfergus.

07:41:Glenshane 'treacherous':BBC NI Travel

Some difficult conditions out there this morning because of ice and snow so please drive with extreme care. We've been told The A6 Glenshane Road is treacherous with snow between the Glenshane Pass and Claudy.

Is it cruel to showcase wild animals in the circus or is it all just part of the act? Councillors in Newtownabbey and Antrim tried to ban exotic animals from shows on council-owned land, but they have been defeated.

The motion was rejected at a council meeting last week. We'll be discussing this at 07:50.

The bid to discuss the park's name again failed after Sinn Féin councillors voted against it.

07:11:Hoping for a miracle:

South Africa leave Ireland hoping for a miracle in their Cricket World Cup pool match. Ireland have a target of 412 from their 50 overs.

07:07:Weather watch:Cecilia DalyBBC News NI Weather Presenter

A cold start again - the current temperatures and radar showing a snapshot of the snow showers that will affect mainly north and west areas. Take care out there and watch the BBC News NI weather forecast for the latest information.

BBC links

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